Best Seiko watches - Our Ultimate Top 5 List | Watch Guru

Ahh, Seiko. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of getting to know some of these incredible watches, by one of the stalwarts of the watch industry, then boy are you in for a treat!

In this video, we’re going to go through 5 of their epic offerings. But before we do, let’s just have a think about the brand itself - why is it so popular? Why are they held in such high regard?

They have such a rich history and heritage, dating back to 1882. They make watches for everyone - ranging from under £100 to thousands - which are always great value for money, no matter which price bracket they’re in. They’re innovative too - creating many world firsts, most notably, the first quartz watch. In summary, they’re an all-round amazing company creating great watches. What’s not to like?

Let’s check out my picks for their top 5 watches!

5. The Samurai

Coming in at number 5, is the SRPB51, more commonly known as the Samurai. It’s one of their “Prospex” line, which stands for “professional specs” or specifications. This range of watches is designed to be used and abused by professionals - they are made for diving. As such, they offer superior build quality to the regular diving range. It also balances that well with affordability, though, as this is still attainable by many. The design of this watch is very striking and utilitarian - it does what it needs to do, well, but the pleasant waffle texture to the dial makes this appealing piece stand out from the crowd.

4. The Cocktail Time

Next up is the SRPE15J1, or Cocktail Time, with its unbelievably striking dial. There’s so many things going for this beautiful watch, which is part of the Prestige line. Firstly, that sunray dial which you have to see to believe. And the applied logo, hour markers and date window border, alongside the pitched dauphine hands, makes it stand out even more. It's also got a beautiful movement powering it - Seiko’s own 4R35, which is the same as the Samurai, except this has a delightful gold rotor which makes it look even more luxurious. To top it all off, the deeply domed hardlex crystal provides a tremendous vintage vibe which will no doubt appeal to many.

3. The Sumo

At number 3 is another one of the “Prospex” family, affectionately labelled the Sumo. This SPB181J1 is a special version in association with PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, which is the world’s leading scuba diving training organization. It’s yet another symbol of Seiko’s pioneering status in the dive watch industry. The Sumo has a delightful case that is slick, fluid, and shows off Seiko’s excellent finishing techniques perfectly. It also has a more advanced movement, the 6R35, with an impressive 70 hour power reserve, and greater accuracy out of the factory. Handling this watch, it’s a clear upgrade from the Samurai and it’s obvious why this is such a popular diving watch - both in terms of stand out design and build quality.

2. The Prospex

At number 2, it’s my most expensive pick, but it’s also the most luxurious. Delivering delicious retro design due to it being a reissue of the 62MAS from 1965, the SPB213J1 contains the same movement as the Sumo, but the watch as a whole is upgraded in many aspects. It has a highly scratch-resistant sapphire crystal rather than Seiko’s preferred hardlex, which can be found on the other 4 watches here. It also boasts a super hard coating applied to the stainless steel, ensuring the entire watch is more scratch-resistant, and therefore, more hard-wearing, wearable, and will look like new for longer. And just look at that glossy blue bezel insert. Ice. Cool.

1. The 5 Sports

Finally, my number 1, is the Seiko 5 Sports. This is the perfect amalgamation of everything Seiko is good at. It’s tried and tested - as it’s the follow up to the hugely successful SKX007. It has that solid, reliable movement within, brilliant build quality, striking looks, and a certain character to it which screams excellence. All of this, for a very affordable price. If you’re looking for your first Seiko, or haven’t got one of these yet, I’d say start here. You will very quickly fall in love with this wonderful timepiece.

Note: The Seiko 5 Sports featured in the above video was so popular it is currently out of stock. This Mens Seiko Automatic Watch is the perfect alternative.

There we have it - my top 5 Seiko watches, available right now from WatchShop.com.